Rebecca Karl of Carriere, Mississippi, emerged as the 2023 Mississippi State Queen at the recent Mississippi State Recognition Day conference, which was held from April 18 to April 20 in Meridian and was hosted by TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly).

Karl, who lost 64.4 pounds, clinched the title by achieving the most substantial weight loss within the organization. State Queens, a distinction conferred upon individuals with exceptional weight loss accomplishments, exemplifies TOPS’ commitment to supporting individuals on their weight-loss journey.

Sharing her journey, Karl disclosed her initial struggles with self-esteem and reliance on food for solace. She credited her decision to attend a local TOPS meeting as the turning point that propelled her towards positive change, inspired by fellow members’ success stories.

Karl emphasized the invaluable support she received from the TOPS community, attributing her success to the collective encouragement provided by her peers. TOPS Club, Inc. adopts a personalized weight loss and wellness approach, emphasizing consistent group support, health education, and recognition as pivotal factors in achieving sustainable weight management.

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – The Tennessee Valley Authority awarded six grants to north Mississippi schools. Money is going to five schools in Winston County.

Fair Elementary, Louisville Elementary, Nanih Waiya School, Winston-Louisville Career and Technology Center, and Noxapater Attendance Center all received $10,000 each.

Saltillo Primary School also got the same amount.

The money comes from the TVA School Uplift program.

TVA says the grant provides energy efficiency training, thus reducing electric bills and improving the classroom environment.

106 schools across the TVA territory were awarded a grant, totaling more than $3 million.

On average, schools will save 10% on their energy bills.

For 24/7 news and updates, follow us on Facebook and X

Auburn freshman edge rusher Jamonta Waller was arrested Thursday in Mississippi on the campus of his former high school, an Auburn spokesperson confirmed Monday.

The arrest came in connection to an alleged senior prank at Picayune Memorial High School in Picayune, Mississippi, where Waller attended before enrolling at Auburn in January.

The Picayune School District Campus Police and Picayune Police Department arrested more than 20 people Thursday at the high school, according to WLOX, a TV station based out of Biloxi.

Picayune Police Chief Joe Quave confirmed to AL.com that the school district police are leading the investigation.

News of the arrest began circulating Saturday on various recruiting message boards and Reddit pages.

AL.com made several requests to the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, Pearl River County Clerk of Courts and the Pearl River County School District. All of those agencies have either not responded as of Monday afternoon or have been unable to provide further information.

WLOX reported 18 of the 21 arrested were charged as adults with “malicious mischief.” The students were booked into the Pearl River County Jail until “parents came to post bond,” according to WLOX.

Auburn students began to leave campus last week, which was final exam week for the school. Auburn held graduation ceremonies over the weekend.

Waller committed to Auburn on Nov. 11, shortly after Auburn beat Arkansas 48-10 that night in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A former four-star recruit, Waller signed on Dec. 20 and is the sixth highest-rated player in Auburn’s No. 8 ranked incoming freshmen class.

He received praise from several coaches including head coach Hugh Freeze as he participated in spring practices with the team. Waller recorded one tackle in Auburn’s spring game on April 6.

Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at mcohen@al.com